Description:DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of a cover for a port of vehicles, more particularly to a covering system and method for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Vehicles are equipped with at least one type of port which may be required to be secured from any undesired external intervention. These ports may be utilized for providing access from outside to a fuel tank of an engine-based vehicle or a charging port in an electric vehicle (EV). The undesired intervention may include stealing of fuel from a fuel tank, damage to the charging port, and the like. Further, the port may be secured by a flap or a cover which may be aligned to a trough body of the vehicle. Further, the cover may be opened substantially away from the trough body, and in scenarios of constrained spaces, may come in contact with other objects.
[003] Nevertheless, the traditional flaps are exposed to external loads and inadequate support due to configuration of the flap within an interior surface of the body. In some scenarios, the flap may be hinged to at least one side of the trough body. Due to external loads and the inadequate support, the flap may be prone to damage due to regular wear and tears. Therefore, in such scenarios the flap may be required to be supported and aligned to the trough body of the vehicle.
[004] Accordingly, there is a requirement for a solution to operate the cover for covering the port of the vehicle in an ergonomically and economically feasible manner without necessitating the design changes of the port.
SUMMARY
[005] In an embodiment, a covering system for a vehicle is disclosed. The covering system may include at least one radially foldable flap pivoted in an interior portion in a body surface outer (BSO) panel of the vehicle. Each radially foldable flap may be coupled to an actuator. Further, the covering system may include a controller communicably coupled to each actuator. The controller may be configured to transmit an operational signal to the actuator. The actuator, in response to the operational signal, may actuate the at least one radially foldable flap between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the at least one radially foldable flap may be actuated radially outwards to provide access to a port of the vehicle. In the closed state, the at least one radially foldable flap may be actuated radially inwards to a central axis to form a cover on the port, thereby restricting access to the port.
[006] In another embodiment, a covering method for covering a port of a vehicle is disclosed. The covering method may include transmitting, by a controller, an operational signal to at least one actuator. Each actuator may be coupled to a radially foldable flap of at least one radially foldable flap. The at least one radially foldable flap may be pivoted an interior portion in a body surface outer (BSO) panel of the vehicle. Further, the covering method may include actuating, by the controller in response to the operational signal, the at least one radially foldable flap between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the at least one radially foldable flap may be actuated radially outwards to provide access to a port of the vehicle. In the closed state, the at least one radially foldable flap may be actuated radially inwards to a central axis to form a cover on the port, thereby restricting access to the port
[007] In yet another embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a covering system. The covering system may include at least one radially foldable flap pivoted in an interior portion in a body surface outer (BSO) panel of the vehicle. Each radially foldable flap may be coupled to an actuator. Further, the covering system may include a controller communicably coupled to each actuator. The controller may be configured to transmit an operational signal to the actuator. The actuator, in response to the operational signal, may actuate the at least one radially foldable flap between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the at least one radially foldable flap may be actuated radially outwards to provide access to a port of the vehicle. In the closed state, the at least one radially foldable flap may be actuated radially inwards to a central axis to form a cover on the port, thereby restricting access to the port.
[008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[010] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a covering system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[011] FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of the covering system equipped on an interior portion of a BSO panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[012] FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the covering system of FIG. 2A in a deployed state, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.
[013] FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of the covering system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[014] FIG. 4 illustrates a covering method for covering a port of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[015] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies, and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device or system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[016] The terms “including”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “comprising of” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[017] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGs. 1-4. It is to be noted that the system may be employed in any vehicle including but not limited to a passenger vehicle, a utility vehicle, an electric vehicle (EV), heavy commercial vehicles, and any other transportable machinery.
[018] It is to be noted, the cover may be disposed on a window which may be formed on a body surface outer (BSO) panel of the vehicle. The window may allow access to a fuel tank of the vehicle and a charging port of the EV. Further, the cover may be configured to restrict the access of dust, and dirt in the port. Nevertheless, in some scenarios, the movement of the cover may be impactful and may get damaged when opened in constrained spaces. Due to such damages, the fuel tank or the charging port may be accessed by an intruder. In other scenarios, the cover may be incapable of aligning with an exterior surface of the BSO panel. Therefore, there exists a vital need for cover which may be aligned to the exterior surface of the BSO panel and prevents impactful opening thereof.
[019] Therefore, to allow covering of the ports by being aligned with the BSO panel in a controlled manner, a covering system for a vehicle is disclosed. The covering system may be mounted on a port formed in the BSO panel of the vehicle such that the port may be allowed to provide access to a fuel tank or the charging port, and restrict the access to the intruder.
[020] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view 100 of a vehicle 101 equipped with a covering system 102 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the vehicle 101 may include a body surface outer (BSO) panel 104. The BSO panel 104 may be an outer panel of the vehicle 101 configured to enclose an interior space thereof. The BSO panel 104 may include at least one housing (not shown). Each housing may include a port 106 which may be configured to provide access to a fuel tank in an engine-based vehicle and/or to a charging port in an electric vehicle (EV). By way of example, the vehicle 101 may include a set of housings when the vehicle may be a hybrid vehicle. The BSO panel 104 may include an interior portion (not shown in FIG. 1) and an exterior portion 108 disposed opposite to the interior portion. By way of example, the interior portion may include the housing formed thereon and the exterior portion 108 may come in contact with outside environment. Further, the interior portion corresponding to the port 106 may include a trim defining a periphery.
[021] As the name suggests, the covering system 102, when actuated, may be configured to provide access to the port 106 of the vehicle 101. This is explained in conjunction with FIGs. 2A-2B. Further, the covering system 102, when actuated, may be configured to form a cover on the port 106, thereby restricting access to the port 106. This is explained in conjunction with FIG. 3. Further, the covering system 102 may be adjoined to the trim such that the cover may be formed on the port 106. The assembly and operation of the covering system 102 is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGs. 2A-4.
[022] Referring to FIG. 2A, which illustrates a front view 200A of the covering system 102 equipped on an interior portion 202 of the BSO panel 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A depicts the covering system 102 adjoined to the housing disposed on the interior portion 202. In an embodiment, the housing may define the port 106 and may include a trim 204 configured to accommodate the covering system 102. The trim 204 may be formed on interior portion 202 of the BSO panel 104.
[023] In an embodiment, the covering system 102 may include at least one radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 pivoted in the interior portion 202 in the BSO panel 104. As apparent from FIG. 2A, the covering system 102 may be formed by quadrilateral radially foldable flaps 206, 208, 210, and 212. In another embodiment, the covering system 102 may include three radially foldable flaps, six radially foldable flaps, and the like. Each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be adjoined to the trim 204 via a pivot 214, 216, 218, and 220 and disposed offset from the exterior portion 108 of the BSO panel 104. As the name suggests, each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be radially rotatable in an outward and inward direction to close or open the port 106. By way of example, each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be formed in triangular shape such that the cover may be formed in the closed position.
[024] In the open position, each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be disposed offset from the interior portion 202. Further, each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be configured to be actuated radially outwards to provide access to the port 106 of the vehicle 101. Further, in the open position, each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be obscured behind the exterior portion 108 of the BSO panel 104.
[025] In the closed position, each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be aligned to the exterior portion 108 and may be configured to actuate radially inwards through a central axis ‘A’ to form a cover on the port 106. By virtue of radially inward actuation, the access to the port 106 may be restricted. Such actuation enables each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 to close the port 106 such that each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 aligns with the exterior portion 108 of the BSO panel 104.
[026] It is to be noted, the each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be transitioned to operate the port 106 from the closed position to the open position and vice-versa based on the rotation of the radially inwards rotation and the radially outwards rotation thereof, respectively. The rotation of each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 is explained in greater detail hereinafter.
[027] Each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be coupled to an actuator (not shown). For example, the actuator may include but not be limited to an electronic actuator, spring-based actuator, and the like. The actuators may be coupled to the pivot 214, 216, 218, and 220and may be configured to rotate each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 via the pivot 214, 216, 218, and 220. The actuator may actuate each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 between the open position and the closed position. Further, each actuator may be communicably coupled to a controller. By way of an example, the controller may be an electric control unit (ECU) of the vehicle 101 which may be implemented as an embedded system in automotive electronics configured to control one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in the vehicle 101. The operation of the controller in conjunction with the actuator is explained in greater details in conjunction with FIG. 3.
[028] Referring now to FIG. 2B, which illustrates a front view 200B of the covering system 102 of FIG. 2A in a deployed state, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is explained in conjunction with FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B depicts the at least one radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 forming the cover to restrict access to the port 106. The at least radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be operated by the corresponding actuators when operated by the controller. This is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.
[029] Referring now to FIG. 3, which illustrates a functional block diagram 300 of the covering system 102, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 2B. The covering system 102 may include a vehicle 302, a controller 304, a signal splitter 306, and at least one actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314 connected to each other. Further, each actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314 may be coupled to the corresponding radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212. Further, the vehicle 302 may be used corresponding to the vehicle 101.
[030] To elaborate further, when a user may actuate a switch disposed within the vehicle 302, the controller 304 may be operate each actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314. The controller 304 may be configured to transmit an operational signal to each actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314. The operational signal may be split into four signals using a signal splitter 306 which may work based on a distribution mechanism commonly known in the art. By way of example, the signal splitter 306 may include, but not limited to an analog signal splitting such as buffers and amplifiers, a digital signal splitting such as TTL, PWM and the like, a communication protocol splitting such as multi-drop Bus RS-485, CAN, and the like, a wireless signal splitting, and the like.
[031] Further, each operational signal from the four signals may be transmitted to each actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314 corresponding to each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212. In response to the operational signal, each actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314 corresponding to each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be actuated. Each actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314 may be configured to generate a mechanical force to be transmitted towards the pivot 214, 216, 218, and 220 such that each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be actuated between the open position and the closed position.
[032] Upon generation of the mechanical force, each actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314, via the pivot 214, 216, 218, and 220, may linearly shift each radially operated flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 offset to the interior portion 202 by a predefined clearance. Further, each actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314, via the pivot 214, 216, 218, and 220, rotates each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 radially outwards or radially inwards between the open position and the closed position, respectively. Particularly, the radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, 212 may be rotated radially inwards by a predefined angle ranging from 40° to about 45° based on the splitting of the operational signal. Therefore, the closed position may be attained at least one radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, 212 may be actuated radially inwards to the central axis ‘A’ to form the cover on the port 106, thereby restricting access to the port.
[033] Iteratively, the same process may be implemented by the controller 304 when input command via the switch may be received to open the port 106. Particularly, the radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, 212 may be rotated radially outwards by the predefined angle ranging from 40° to about 45° based on the splitting of the operational signal. Therefore, the open position may be attained by the actuation of the at least one radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, 212 in radially outwards direction away from the central axis ‘A’ to provide access to the port 106. The open position may be apparent from the FIG. 2A.
[034] Referring now to FIG. 4, which illustrates a covering method 400 for covering the port 106 of the vehicle 302, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method may include a plurality of steps that may be performed by various modules of the controller 304 to cover the port 106 of the vehicle 101.
[035] At step 402, the controller may transmit the operational signal to the at least one actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314. Further, each actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314 may be coupled to the radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 of at least one radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212. Particularly, the operational signal may split into signals corresponding each actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314. At step 404, the controller, in response to the operational signal, may actuate the corresponding actuator 308, 310, 312, and 314 to rotate the at least one radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 between the open position and the closed position. Each operational signal from four signals may be transmitted to the corresponding actuator such that each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be configured to shift linearly and rotate in the radially outwards or radially inwards direction. The radially outwards or radially inwards direction of each radially foldable flap 206, 208, 210, and 212 may be configured to achieve the open position and the closed position of the port 106 which is already explained in conjunction with FIGs. 1-3.
[036] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the covering system and the covering method for the vehicle is described in the various embodiments discussed above are not routine, or conventional or well understood in the art. The covering system and the covering method discussed above may be capable of offering several advantages. Firstly, the covering system is configured to provide the user an access to the fuel tank in constrained spaces due to motion of each radially foldable flap along the BSO panel. Due to such motion, the collision of the cover with objects in the environment may be prevented.
[037] Secondly, the covering system and the covering method is supported on an interior surface of the BSO panel due to which the linear shift and the rotary motion may be attained. Further, the closed state of the cover may be attained without utilization of manual intervention affecting the structure and assembly of the cover and the BSO panel. Furthermore, there may be no need to make excessive modifications to retrofit the assembly. Accordingly, the simple assembly of allowing the convenient opening and closing of the cover offers cost savings to the manufacturer and customer. The covering system is economical in manufacturing, selling, buying, and utilization. Also, the covering system may be easily incorporated into upcoming vehicles and existing vehicles with minor modifications.
[038] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[039] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[040] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[041] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A covering system (102) for a vehicle (101), the covering system (102) comprising:
at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) pivoted in an interior portion (202) of a body surface outer (BSO) panel (104) of the vehicle (101), each radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) is coupled to an actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314); and
a controller (304) communicably coupled to each actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314), wherein the controller (304) is configured to transmit an operational signal to the actuator, wherein the actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314), in response to the operational signal, actuates the at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) between:
an open position wherein the at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) is actuated radially outwards to provide access to a port (106) of the vehicle (101); and
a closed position wherein at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) is actuated radially inwards to a central axis (A) to form a cover on the port, thereby restricting access to the port.
2. The covering system (102) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a housing formed on the interior portion (202) of the BSO panel (104) of the vehicle (101), wherein the housing is configured to accommodate the at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212).
3. The covering system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein actuation of each radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) comprises:
each actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314) linearly shifts each radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) offset to the interior portion (202) of the BSO panel (104) by a predefined clearance; and
each actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314) rotates each radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) radially outwards or radially inwards between the open position and the closed position, respectively.

4. A covering method (400) for covering a port of a vehicle (101), the covering method (400) comprising:
transmitting, by a controller (304), an operational signal to at least one actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314), wherein each actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314) is coupled to a radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) of at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212), wherein the at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) is pivoted an interior portion (202) of a body surface outer (BSO) panel (104) of the vehicle (101); and
actuating, by the controller (304) in response to the operational signal, the at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) between:
an open position wherein the at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) is actuated radially outwards to provide access to a port (106) of the vehicle (101); and
a closed position wherein at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) is actuated radially inwards to a central axis (A) to form a cover on the port (106), thereby restricting access to the port (106).
5. The covering method (400) as claimed in claim 4, comprising:
a housing formed on the interior portion (202) of the BSO panel (104) of the vehicle (101), wherein the housing is configured to accommodate the at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212).
6. The covering method (400) as claimed in claim 4, wherein actuation of each radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) comprises:
each actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314) linearly shifts each radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) offset to the interior portion (202) of the BSO panel (104) by a predefined clearance; and
each actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314) rotates each radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) radially outwards or radially inwards between the open position and the closed position, respectively.

7. A vehicle (101) comprising:
a body surface outer (BSO) panel (104); and
a covering system (102) comprising:
at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) pivoted an interior portion (202) of the BSO panel (104) of the vehicle (101), each radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) is coupled to an actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314); and
a controller (304) communicably coupled to each actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314), wherein the controller (304) is configured to transmit an operational signal to the actuator, wherein the actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314), in response to the operational signal, actuates the at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) between:
an open position wherein the at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) is actuated radially outwards to provide access to a port (106) of the vehicle (101); and
a closed position wherein at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) is actuated radially inwards to a central axis (A) to form a cover on the port (106), thereby restricting access to the port (106).
8. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
a housing formed on the interior portion (202) of the BSO panel (104), wherein the housing is configured to accommodate the at least one radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212).
9. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 7, wherein actuation of each radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) comprises:
each actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314) linearly shifts each radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) offset to an interior portion (202) of the BSO panel (104) by a predefined clearance; and
each actuator (308, 310, 312, and 314) rotates each radially foldable flap (206, 208, 210, and 212) radially outwards or radially inwards between the open position and the closed position, respectively.